Holidays are a perfect time for you to spread love and celebrate with your loved ones. The fact that your aging loved one is living in a memory care community does not mean that he or she should be exempted from the festivities.
Older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s still need to feel loved, protected, and appreciated despite their poor memory or compromised cognitive function. There is no better way to do that than to gift them with a mindful present that will help to improve their current situation.
That said, it can be a little tricky to choose an excellent gift for loved ones with the condition. Here are our top picks for holiday gifts that are excellent for family members with Alzheimer’s.
A Customized Life Story Book
It is a kind of gift ideal for older adults with severe dementia. Late dementia is characterized by acute memory loss. Gifting a personalized storybook to your loved one about their life would be a perfect way to help them look back and get a little memory about who they are and their life as well.
Storybooks are easy to make and you can come up with one. Similarly, you can purchase a customized storybook for your aging relative. You can also ensure the story features a memory prompt card which will aid in triggering vivid storytelling.
Thereafter, you along with other family members will take time to fill out blanks to provide vital information such as where your aging relative was born, the places they have been to as well as the names of their children.
Furry Animal Companions
Recent studies have proven the significant impact that pets have on the mental health of older adults. Pets provide companionship which helps to curb loneliness besides alleviating depression and stress. Pets can help in mitigating isolation and loneliness among those living with Alzheimer’s.
Visitor’s Journals
Another remarkable gift that is ideal for older adults with neurodegeneration is a visitor’s journal. The journal will allow visiting family members and friends to detail their encounter with your loved one or put down a little note of their experience together. Such notes with date and time are great for mental stimulation. Additionally, the journal will make it possible for the aging individual to keep track of information related to visitors.
Medication Dispenser
Aging folks living with dementia suffer frequent memory loss and poor cognitive function. That makes it difficult for them to take care of themselves properly. The biggest way they will be affected by memory loss is by forgetting to take their medication. Failing to adhere to the requirements of prescription medication will surely have a detrimental impact on their health and well-being. A medication dispenser features alarms and reminders that will instruct your loved one to take their medication on time.
A Jigsaw Puzzle
Puzzles and board games are perfect for dementia patients. Playing such games helps to stimulate the brain and improve short-term memory. Other than that, these memory-stimulating games lower any damage that is naturally brought about by the effects of Alzheimer’s. Therefore, it will be an ideal gift for your loved one.
Time to Pick a Mindful Holiday Gift
The fact that your loved one has Alzheimer’s does not mean that they will not appreciate your holiday gifts. It should be easy for you to pick a proper present for your aging family member with our suggestions.
